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Activated charcoal is used to treat ingested poisons and is taken orally. Charcoal is made of coal, peat, coconut shells, wood, and petroleum. To activate charcoal, it is heated at a high temperature in the presence of a gas. As a result of this process, charcoal develops various interior pores. The pores help in trapping pollutants and detoxify water and other elements.
Activated charcoal is primarily used to treat poisoning, hangovers, excessive cholesterol, and upset stomach. It is an emergency anti-poison treatment widely used in hospital settings to treat drug overdoses.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon, is a type of carbon often used for various purposes, such as the filtration of impurities from water and air. It has small holes, which expand the surface area and open it for chemical reactions or absorption.
Since ancient times, people have used activated charcoal to treat various illnesses. It is a black powder with no odor or flavor. Activated charcoal has several uses and benefits; it decreases cholesterol levels and enhances renal function. Some reports claim it may filter water, treat hangovers, and whiten teeth.
Medical Uses of Activated Charcoal
Medical professionals in the emergency room occasionally use activated charcoal to treat overdoses and poisonings. It also helps remove impurities and medications like calcium channel blockers, sedatives, NSAIDS, OTC anti-inflammatories, dapsone, malaria medications, carbamazepine, and mild stimulants.
However, activated charcoal does not bind drugs or toxins that are corrosive. Doctors may administer an alcoholic beverage containing water and powdered activated charcoal to an awake and alert patient.
Doctors also give activated charcoal solutions to patients through feeding tubes inserted in their noses or mouth. For activated charcoal to be effective, it must be taken or administered within 1 to 4 hours after ingesting a poison.
The charcoal is ineffective if the medicine or poison is no longer in the stomach and has been absorbed into the bloodstream. Also, it is not recommended to treat poisoning or overdose at home.
Functions of Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is used for various reasons; doctors also use it to treat certain medical conditions. We will discuss some functions of activated charcoal below.
Used as Skincare
Regarding skincare advantages, activated charcoal serve as a gentler natural alternative for chemical peels that may damage the skin. This cleansing component absorbs extra oil and grime from the face to reveal clearer skin.
According to research, activated charcoal facilitate the removal of microparticles from the skin by attracting them to the skin’s surface, including bacteria, chemicals, toxins, dirt, and dust.
Using activated charcoal improves the texture and looks of your skin and help eliminate dirt and pollutants. According to a study, an activated peel-off charcoal mask opens up pores and improves skin by eliminating dead cells.
Many practitioners of traditional medicine use activated charcoal powder manufactured from coconut shells to treat soft tissue disorders like skin infections worldwide. Activated charcoal also has an antibacterial effect and absorbs harmful germs from wounds.
Suitable for Deodorant
You can find several different activated charcoal deodorants in the market. The ability of charcoal to absorb odors and toxic gases makes it the perfect deodorant for underarms, shoes, and refrigerators.
Furthermore, it has been claimed that activated charcoal absorbs surplus moisture and regulate humidity at the micro-level.
Helps with Diarrhea
Considering that activated charcoal is used to absorb substances from the gastrointestinal tract in overdoses and poisonings, some experts suggest it as a remedy for diarrhea.
Activated charcoal may stop bacteria and medications (that may cause diarrhea) from being absorbed into the body by trapping them on its porous, textured surface.
Improves Kidney Health
Activated charcoal is suitable for renal functions and filters out medicines and undigested pollutants. It effectively removes toxins from urea, a primary byproduct of protein breakdown in the body.
Activated charcoal also helps reduce gastrointestinal harm and improve renal function and inflammation in people with chronic kidney disease.
Scientists have experimented on rats with artificially produced chronic renal failure; they fed them activated charcoal solutions, and their kidney function was improved.
Whitens Teeth and Enhances Oral Health
Activated charcoal is used as an ingredient in dozens of teeth-whitening solutions. Many products for dental health that contain activated charcoal make various claims, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and detoxifying.
Activated charcoal removes stains from the tooth surface. Due to its abrasive nature, it removes stains from enamel, the outermost covering of teeth. It is affordable, and you can purchase toothpaste containing activated charcoal or add charcoal directly to your usual toothpaste.
Reduces Cholesterol Level
Activated charcoal absorbs bile acids and cholesterol in the colon, stopping them from being absorbed. Reduced bile acid absorption causes the liver to break down cholesterol more quickly. It is eliminated from your body when you urinate or defecate while removing toxins and harmful substances.
Helps with Gas
Activated charcoal is produced by heating charcoal to increase its porosity. It captures excess gas molecules and reduces the gas that causes bloating. According to some research, simethicone and charcoal work even better together to reduce gas and bloating.
Decreases Hangover Effects
If consumed while consuming alcohol, activated charcoal may also help reduce or even totally prevent a hangover. It sounds like a miracle that this chemical absorbs pollutants and keep alcohol from entering your bloodstream.
Medical experts often use activated charcoal if someone has alcohol poisoning or is unconscious instead of utilizing it as a fun party trick.
Last Thoughts
Activated charcoal is widely available despite it sounding like a miraculous powder. It is used widely as a healthy drink alternative to freshly squeezed juice, and pharmacies also sell pills containing activated charcoal powder. Activated charcoal is a perfect solution to several problems. It is suitable for patients with different illnesses; even doctors use it at the hospital to cope with certain medical situations. If you’re a supplement provider, look no further than SMP Nutra. We provide high-quality supplements that are essential for good health and wellness.
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